Trekking Awning converted to Trekking 'EXTRA' Awning...

[bxl_lad]

Apologies for another English post again...
But I wanted to share a modification I've done to our Trekking awning (FF 2023), that it can be also used as an 'Trekking Extra' awning (to connect to the enclosed Camping awning).
This refers to a 2023 Model for a Fat Freddy - I suppose the same will apply to LJ & SJ?

We have both the Camping and Trekking Awnings. I was under the impression that these could be attached to each other to extend the tent, but this is not the case. Campooz do also sell a 'Trekking Extra' awning for that purpose. But I didn't want to spend another 500+ euros and more importantly be carrying another bag with another awning...

The zip on the Trekking is longer than the zip connection on the front of the Camping Awning, so I figured all that was needed was a second, shorter, zip adding to the Trekking to connect the two.
I sourced a zip from Amazon (I can provide the links if anyone interested) and found someone who could correctly sew it on.

It fits! The flap extensions of the Trekking can be held in place with a rope and tent pegs and they don't cause an issue, or even rolled up and tied back.

Voila, a secondary use for the Trekking awning.

I will take some pictures if anyone interested.

Incidentally, anyone in the Zeeland region near Domburg, If you need tent repairs (or for example having a second zip fixing!), I can recommend Merijn at MK Covers:

https://www.mkcovers.nl/c-1872529/contact/

He makes bags for bikes, but also tent repairs. Super friendly, prompt and very reasonable pricing...

[Chase]

Please share some pictures. I'm also interested in this modification for our LJ from 2019.

[PeetB_]

Please do share pics and the amazon link! I have been looking into a 'extra' awning for my 2019 Fat Freddy but no luck thus far. This would be ideal since it would enable me to either have only the trekking awning or both  

[bxl_lad]

Just away for the moment. pictures will follow in a few days ;-)
In the meantime here's the zip we used:

https://amzn.eu/d/7EodI5m

It needs to be cut down to size, but whoever sews it on for you should know how to do that...
The leading edge of the zip is a little shorter than the one on the tent, but it still connects fine.

Basically I attached the new zip to the front of the Camping Awning to get the correct size, then pinned that (center of the zip, to the center of the Trekking Awning) to the Trekking awning and then took it to be sewn correctly (you will need someone with the correct sewing machine to do this, a domestic machine will likely not be strong enough to work with the canvas...).

Pictures to follow, needless to say, we're currently enjoying our extended tent setup and it works great!

[bxl_lad]

So as promised (apologies for the delay!)... Pictures of the adaption of the full-size Trekking Awning to work also as the 'Extra' awning (meaning it can be fixed to the Camping Awning). I should point out this 'upgrade' doesn't stop it being used alone.

I think there's still some room for improvement, maybe a run of velcro along the leading edge (the existing velcro connections are just a little small to connect with the velcro on the Trekking Awning, but with some fiddling it sort of works...
The flap extensions I just tied them to the ground, but I'm sure with a little rolling of these corners and some ties, this could be 'cleaned up' to look neater.

But we used it like this for a week in the blazing sun in Italy and we were happy for the extra space and shade. We didn't add the sides to the camping Awning as it was so hot, but of course they would still fit in this configuration.

One drawback, with both awnings attached in this way, our pitch wasn't long enough for Ugly Betty to be fixed to the rear of the tent in its intended location, hence why you see it here under the awning!

In total, the cost was €18.99 for the zip and I paid the guy from MK Covers €50 for his work to sew the zip on... Not bad, less than €70 versus €500+ for a 'Trekking Extra' awning. It works fine and saves having to carry a third awning (the Trekking Extra - even if you could find one still available for the 2023 model?).

Anyway, I hope this info is useful to anyone wanting to try and do the same. Good luck!